Hanson's Ridge in Springvale is teetering between farming and housing development. The traditional landscape of orchards, fields, pasture and forest is mixed with subdivisions and expensive homes.

In this climate, farmers need every advantage they can get. For the past two years, on Open Farm Day farmers have opened their gates and let the public walk between farms.

It's been a fun event that strengthens the connections

that sustain the traditional landscape. It was started by the Sanford Trails Committee and Forest Works! thanks to a grant from the Davis Conservation Fund. The purpose of the funding was to build trust with landowners around trail issues in hopes that it may lead to land conservation. One landowner has now offered to establish a permanent trail across his land. Hazen Carpenter has issued a challenge: if we raise the funds to develop the trail, he will grant a permanent recreational easement.

The campaign on indiegogo has raised more than $3,300. Please contribute by going to: